The Nets paid a hefty price to acquire Gerald Wallace from the Blazers this past season, ultimately giving up the sixth-overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. It was a roll of the dice since Wallace had a player option on his contract for next season. As expected, he opted out of his deal, only to re-sign with the Nets.

The signing ensures that Brooklyn will at least keep one of its top players with Deron Williams and Kris Humphries both free agents as well. It does increase the chance of Williams staying with the Nets since the franchise was able to keep another marquee name.

Philadelphia 76ers re-sign PF Lavoy Allen to 2-year, $6 million deal

A second-round pick a year ago, Allen became a solid role player for the Sixers last season, even making 15 starts. The Pennsylvania native brought energy, toughness, and a knack for rebounding to the floor. $3 million a year is a rather fair deal for both parties, especially Philadelphia, which could be losing free agent center Spencer Hawes.

Is Asik Staying in Chicago?

With restricted free agent Omer Asik signing a 3-year, $25.1 million offer sheet with the Houston Rockets, the Chicago Bulls have a major decision to make in the up-coming days: pay their back-up center more than eight million dollars per year, or let him walk. The solution is rather simple; wave good-bye to Asik.

In his two years in Chicago, Asik has been solid, playing behind Joakim Noah and allowing the Bulls to have quality depth in their frontcourt. However, it seems insane that the Rockets are willing to spend $8 million-plus per year on a guy who has averaged 2.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in his career.

Houston does have a huge hole to fill at center since Marcus Camby is a free agent and the team dealt Samuel Dalembert to the Bucks. With capable big men in such demand in the NBA, teams are always willing to pay more for size. Just look at the fact that the Blazers offered a max contract to Pacers center Roy Hibbert.

The Bulls should laugh at the thought of matching Asik's deal with the Rockets. Simply put, Chicago cannot afford to pay him that much. Noah and Carlos Boozer are on the books for more than $97 million, and Taj Gibson will become a restricted free agent next summer meaning, he will be due for a massive pay raise. Gibson is more versatile and skilled than Asik, so Taj should be the priority of the two.

The Bulls also have more pressing needs in trying to upgrade their talent on the wing. Re-signing Asik as well as finding better talent on the perimeter would likely vault the team past the luxury tax, which be even more costly.

Chicago will have until Wednesday to formally make a decision. Let me spare you the expense though: Omer Asik's brief tenure with the Bulls is OVA!